Dewalt sent over some quick details about 3 new high torque impact wrenches that they’re adding to their 20V Max cordless power tool platform. The new impacts feature brushless motors and are all about POWER and portability.

Dewalt designed the new high-torque brushless impact wrenches for demanding users, such as those in automotive, farm, heavy machinery repair, concrete fastening, road & bridge, elevator, and iron working industries.

All of the new impact wrenches measure 8.9″ in length and weigh in at 7 lbs, making them reasonably compact and reasonably suited for extended use. You also get 3 speed and torque settings, and an LED worklight that’s located close to the battery pack.

Both the 1/2″ drive DCF899 and 3/4″ drive DCF898 are available in hog ring and detent pin anvil styles.

All of the impacts are available as bare tools and as part of kits that come with (1) or (2) 5.0Ah Li-ion battery packs.

DCF889 vs Brushless DCF899

Dewalt 20V Max DCF889 Brushed Impact Wrench (Older Model)

To refresh your memory, this is what the brushed motor Dewalt DCF889 looks like. The DCF889 looks a lot longer than the DCF899, although both impacts weigh about the same. The DCF889 delivers up to 400 ft-lbs of torque, and the new DCF899 delivers 700 ft-lbs (1200 ft-lbs reverse torque), which is a considerable difference in power.

First Thoughts

None of the models have popped up at USA retailers yet, but I expect that they’ll start shipping soon. We’re waiting to hear back from Dewalt about an ETA and additional specs.

There’s not much to go by yet, but these look like they will pose some strong competition in the automotive and utilities industry, at the least.

While not quite apples vs. apples, the new DCF899 impact wrench looks far more compact and ergonomic than the 20V Max DCF889 premium impact wrench that came out 2 years ago, as well as the one Dewalt released in the 18V lineup 4 years ago. It’s a lot more powerful, too.

26 Comments

However, I gave up waiting on you for a cordless ratchet about 2 years ago and switched to another brand. After being impressed by their 12v ratchet, I decided to buy their 18v impacts.

I’m now starting to see the hand tool lines you poured cash into during the past few years get dumped onto the clearance rack.
Stanley Black & Decker, If you have any sense, you will refocus DeWalt on its core brand identity – power tools – and start releasing more power tool applications.

One way of doing this is licensing the battery format to boutique/niche application manufacturers. Using this technique, you not only save on R&D and capital investment, you also can leverage existing niche market leaders’ brand identities.

Co-branding with Mac and releasing tools to Facom was a good start, but both of these are in-house. Moreover, why is Bostitch left out of the De-Walt battery ecosystem (in physical format and/or marketing materials)?

The Black and Decker division is already moving in this direction (Chapin sprayers), and it would behoove DeWalt’s leadership to see what opportunities they can find:

since I ended up in the dewalt 20V ecosystem I like seeing it expand with some usefulness. the only electric impact wrenches I’ve ever used that I liked have been dewalt – and as such I bought one and still use it.

these new battery ones have more torque ability than their corded counter parts – and I can see me making a switch.

would probably still considering buying the MAC version though. by the way – how does this compare to that one?

but someone answer me something – what the hell is the hog ring version used for. all the impact wrenches I have ever used have the ball detent.

For work like automotive or mechanic work, many prefer the hog ring style. They use a spring-loaded steel ‘ring’ that holds the socket in place by friction. Good for when you swap sockets a lot like in a garage because a sharp tug will remove the socket.
I do, or at least have done enough construction to prefer the detent pin style, for is more secure socket retention. Doing thigs like industrial roofing, where you drive fastener after fastener of the same size, the pin keeps the socket from falling off the impact, rolling down the roof, and falling into the weeds below.

The hog ring doesn’t require alignment and is much more secure. With a detent ball, the socket easily comes off if you pull the wrench away while the socket is wedged on a fastener. The hog ring won’t, it requires a deliberate quick pull to release. On the other hand, the ring can also get fussy when installing a socket. There are good and bad points to each.

Agreed, would love to see more 20v power tools. But not at the cost of quality. Prime example the $99 drill at Christmas, B&D quality with a Dewalt skin (so sad). I’m glad the new heavy duty impact wrenches are coming out for the specialty trades and they seem to be very competitive for performance / price. I hope to see more from dewalt soon. I would still rather wait for new tools and for them to keep their quality control high than to get sloppy. Stanley stick to screwdrivers: Dewalt keep focusing commercial grade power tools.

I didn’t know if it was kosher to post who I work for as it could be a form of advertisement but we will see if it gets edited out. Bay Verte Machinery in Green Bay, WI. We also are called The Power Tool Store, and that is what our Facebook page is listed as. Same company though.

We also have a deal coming up for a buy 2 get 2 free. So if you need four of them it will be 50% off, with an old tool trade of course.

We are going to hook up the Milwaukee 1/2 Fuel impact to the DeWalt as well and see which one can spin the other loose. I will take a video of it and post the link when we do. It should be interesting to say the least.

As a full time automotive technician ive used almost every tool truck brand impact gun from macto to snap on to mac/ dewalt. Ive notice Dewalt yellow tools dont have the same oil resistance as the MAC versions (red tools). the yellow line up the grips will start to peel away real quick after daily abuse. the MAC versions tend to last a lot longer under wear and tear in oily greasy conditions. Currently still using snap on as my go to equipment at work but i just ordered this impact for my home weekend warrior projects. should be interesting to see how they handles vs the MAC 1/2 impact.

i was looking to buy a mac bwp050 1/2 inch impact and i was wondering how it compares to the dewalt 899, i know it has less power, but do you really need that much torque? please only answer if you have used that model mac impact

I have used all of them. 400 working torque is not bad for most cars. If the the fasteners are as big as 3/4 , rusted , truck lugs or has a taper and dissimilar metals… get the hi torque brushless or bwp 050. The bwp050 has amazing feel ballance due to it is slim and lighter with same length. …just a bit weeker and has brushes. I prefer my bwp050 with a 5 amp hour.

Oh and for me it matters where the light is. Dewalt brushless and mac tool brushless are the only hi torque guns with the light in the best spot. Milwaukee will have to remake their modle all over again.

Just received my DCF899. What a monster. Replaces a DCF889 that sometimes had trouble breaking lug nuts. No problem with the DCF899. Rotated my tires and am looking forward to using it where ever it will fit. The DCF899 is an 1.75 shorter and .375 wider than the DCF889. Over-all seems to be a great addition to my 20v tools.

Does anyone know why the DCG897 no longer is listed on Dewalts website? The big stores have it but I alway like to see what tools they promote themselves as part of the game.
I’m sensing there is something we should know here.